Giving Back to the Community

InterFaith Works

“Today (October 7), Marc opened his doors and organized a staff retreat for the case workers who work the the Homeless Services Program of Interfaith Works. These are the people that run the shelters and provide services to the people we see living on the streets. It is hard, hard work and they are a very special group. Interfaith Works is very fortunate to have such dedicated fine people. The Program Managers were planning a retreat and trying to think of an activity or experience that would bring them joy and show them how much they are valued.

At my previous office, I had organized a fundraiser for our Health Clinic. While difficult to market (what exactly is exergaming?), once people walked in the door, it was the most enjoyable event we had ever organized. What is so very special about Fitness for Health is that it is like magic…you walk in the door and you become a kid again. What was intended as rehabilitation equipment designed to offer distraction and enjoyment translates to games for all ages. No matter what your age, there is always that kid in you who would love to play James Bond or smash the colored squares as they light up.

People will laugh at themselves and each other. They will forget the stress or worries of work. They will form team bonds as they play games together. Take a few minutes to go visit Fitness for Health. Enjoy the magic of being a kid again.

Thanks,

Lynn Arndt”

Community Ministries of Rockville Fund Raising Event

On June 16, Fitness for Health donated our facility and staff for a fund raising event held by the Community Ministries of Rockville, specifically for the Mansfield Kaseman Clinic. Donors created teams of five who then competed in an Olympics style of competition. Participation in events with names such as Rock the Boat, Jacob’s Ladder, Dancing in the Dark, Laser Beams, and more was scored. The competition was all in good fun. Smiles were abundant, and all had a fun time. Everyone left a winner.

Community Ministries of Rockville seeks to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable of Montgomery County residents by providing basic services including housing, healthcare, homecare, education, and emergency assistance, with the goal of achieving and maintaining client self-sufficiency, and advocating on their behalf.

In May 2004, Community Ministries of Rockville founded the Mansfield Kaseman Health Program (MKHP) in response to the need of increasing access to primary healthcare services for the uninsured and underinsured members of Greater Rockville Area. Over the last four years, the program served nearly 500 unduplicated patients and 1,300 patient visits per year with nearly thirty per cent of the patients from within Rockville City limits.

At-Risk Youth Events

Fitness for Health and CIC Wealth co-sponsors at-risk youth events throughout the year. The participants are involved with Hearts and Homes, a group that offers services to meet the needs of abused, neglected, homeless, and troubled children and young adults, ranging in age from newborn to 21 years of age throughout Maryland. The participants may have problems at home, truancy, and brushes with the law. Now, they are working hard to get on the right path.

At one event, all of the kids had a blast working out with Fitness for Health trainers. During pizza and drinks, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Super Bowl champion, Willie Williams spoke to the attendees about his life growing up and the difficulties he faced. To punctuate his message of hard work, making hard choices, and staying on the right path, Willie passed around his Super Bowl XL ring for all to see.

On another occasion, following the workout, several professional and former collegiate football players spoke about their upbringings and the challenges they faced. Making good choices, hanging out with the right crowd, staying and doing well in school, and being prepared for the future were some of the messages presented to the kids.

In the attached picture, from left to right are Willie Sickel (Fitness for Health), Andy Goodman (Chief Investment Officer, CIC Wealth), Dan Gaskill (attorney, Law Office of Dan Gaskill) and Willie Williams (former NFL player, Super Bowl champion, Play It Coy, XPRO Training and XPRO Gear, Show Them We Care Foundation)

We are very proud of this event and plan to host a much bigger version in the near future.

ReelAbilities: Disabilities Film Festival is the largest festival in the country dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. Initiated in 2007, the festival presents award winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations throughout each hosting city. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.

ReelAbilities helps to educate and increase awareness of acceptance, inclusion, and possibilities for all members of our community through the art of film. Going on it’s 4th year in Greater DC, we are proud to continue our support of this important festival!